But now contractors have begun tearing down the old Hollywood Cinema in Anglia Square as a major regeneration project rumbles on.

Onlookers watched as the wall facing the street was torn away this afternoon - revealing the inside of the cinema which closed in 2019.

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Demolitions started in November last year and the remaining section of the precincts' car park was destroyed last week.

Council officials had been tight lipped about the cinema and campaigners were nervous that rare projection equipment would be lost to rubble.

Among them was Trevor Wicks, former director of Hollywood Cinemas.

Mr Wicks previously said: "This cinema was the most luxurious outside the West End when it opened in 1971."

However, Norwich University of the Arts saved the 1961 Cinemeccanica Victoria 8 projector just before the destruction began.

Trevor Wicks outside the cinema (Image: Jack Warren)

The council said due to costs and feasibility they would not be able to save the Alan Partridge mural, located to the rear of the site.

It was painted by artist Dave Nash, known as Gnasher, for the 2013 premier of the Partridge movie spin-off Alpha Papa which was held at Hollywood Cinema.

In its day, the original Anglia Square project of the 1960s was a forward-thinking example of city planning.

The painting in 2013 at Anglia Square as the cinema gets ready for the Alan Partridge film premiere 'Alpha Papa'. (Image: Denise Bradley)

The project's ethos was heavily influenced by brutalism - an architectural style common in the late 60s and early 70s characterised by strength and simplicity.

In 2023, and a scheme to regenerate the site was approved by Norwich City Council.

Developer Weston Homes, with investment firm Columbia Threadneedle, applied to demolish the brutalist shopping centre, along with the neighbouring Sovereign House and Gildengate House.

Anglia Square in 1989 (Image: Newsquest)

But the scheme faltered after Weston Homes axed its plans due to financial issues.

To keep the project alive, Norwich City Council bought the site in December 2024 through a £34m grant from Homes England.

The regeneration scheme is to include up to 1,100 new homes, a variety of retail, office and leisure spaces with landscaped gardens and a new neighbourhood centre.

© Norwich Evening News